Dethatch lawns. If you have a hybrid Bermuda grass lawn, youneed to remove the dense mat of runners every two or three years toallow water and nutrients to reach the roots. After mowing,vigorously run a hard-tined rake through the grass to thin the mat.Or rent a gas-powered dethatching machine and run it over the lawntwice in opposite directions. Follow with another mowing, thenfertilize and water deeply.

Learn about low-water plants. If you live in the Phoenixarea, pick up a copy of Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert: Guide to Growing MoreThan 200 Low-Water Use Plants, published by the Arizona MunicipalWater Users Association (2004; 602/248-8482). The free bookletis available from the AMWUA and through local water-conservationoffices.

Solarize soil. Use the sun’s heat to rid soil of damagingfungus or nematodes or to kill unwanted Bermuda grass. First loosenthe soil and water well, then cover the area with heavy (6-mil)clear-plastic sheeting. Use stakes or rocks to hold it in place.Leave the plastic in place for four to eight weeks.